Destination : Chicago

Here's a fun idea that you may not think of right away for a 72 hour getaway…. Let's go to... Chicago for the weekend!

A gorgeous city located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the world capital of modern architecture, Chicago finally seems to have gotten rid of the bad reputation that has followed it for decades. It is a very pleasant and lively town, which can be mostly discovered by foot. Its many parks of which the most recent, the Millennium Park, inaugurated in the years 2000, is an art gallery in itself.

We walk around admiring every corner. Chicago is known as the Windy City, not only because of winds from the lake but also for political reasons as well as it's position in the world of gastronomy. Its culinary avant-gardism, its restaurants and its revolutionary bars make it a city that deserves attention. We also go to Chicago for its architectural beauty, the Michigan River that runs through the city, its beach in the heart of downtown, its many parks, its jazz culture and the ease of getting there.

What to do

If you only have 72 hours in Chicago, you should take the time to hop on the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise on the Michigan River. Sailing on the water, with a certified CAF (Chicago Architecture Foundation) guide, you get to admire the best views of the buildings that define Chicago while the city is explained through its architecture. The tour also makes it possible to visit the main points of interest of the city. You cannot visit Chicago without taking the time to walk through its many beautiful parks. Lincoln Park is home to the Chicago Zoo, which is free and open to all. Take the opportunity to visit Lincoln Park's best-kept secret: Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, a small secret garden where you can find a majestic pool of water lilies designed by Mr. Caldwell. Millenium Park is also a must, if only to admire, among other things, its animated fountains and the famous "bean" (Cloud Gate).

Where to eat

You could spend a week in Chicago without ever running out of ideas of where to eat. The excellent restaurants abound and the gastronomic offer is more than diversified. Absolute must-tries: the well-known chef Stephanie Izard, a native of Chicago, managed to implement a restaurant concept that puzzles the crowds. Her casual restaurant, Little Goat, is a luxurious diner where you go for brunch, lunch and cocktails on the beautiful rooftop terrace, where you can contemplate the giant mobile goat exterior sign. Her fancy restaurant, Girl and the Goat, is one of the most popular in town. You eat excessively well and will enjoy the contrast between the dark decor and loud rock music that plays to the maximum. This is what characterizes the beautiful city of Chicago: a city of contrasts that knows how to stand out. We also note the excellent Purple Pig, where you can eat outside on the huge terrace by the water, directly on Michigan Avenue and The Publican, for its deli meats as well as communal tables that contrast with the 'fenced' banquettes.